The Third Annual Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) was broadcast on Black Entertainment Television (BET) for the first time on Sept. 12. According to organizers, the event showcased the “unique and incredible voices of the Caribbean.”
“This esteemed ceremony, unlike any other, celebrated trailblazers in Caribbean music who not only enrich our vibrant culture but also pave the way for future generations to flourish,” said the Caribbean Elite Group (CEG), host of the event.
“Led by the dynamic ‘King of Caribbean Comedy,‘ Majah Hype, the event was nothing short of exhilarating, radiating an undeniable sense of Caribbean pride, power, and unity,” it added. “From the roots of resistance to the heights of celebration, the Caribbean has always moved the world.
“This landmark occasion honored the heartbeat of Caribbean heritage and stood as a night where riddims ruled, icons rose, and the Caribbean claimed center-stage, uniting everyone who cherishes the diverse and colorful realms of Caribbean music—be it reggae, Soca, Kompa, bouyon, dancehall, zouk, or beyond,” CEG continued.
It said each winner was “not just a testament to exceptional talent and hard work; they inspire the entire Caribbean music community to reach new heights.”
CEG said CMA took place on Aug. 28, 2025 at Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn, kicking off with an elegant “Red Carpet” livestream hosted by Naomi Cowan, Spexdaboss and DJ AG, and featured appearances from Alison Hinds, Amanda Reifer, Anika Berry, Armanii, Austin “Superblue” Lyons, Ayetian, Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes, D’Yani, Dexta Daps, DJ Khaled, DJ Puffy, Donnell Rawlings, Elephant Man, Grafh, IWaata, Jeon, Jessie Woo, Kerwin Du Bois, Konshens, London Hill, Mya, Nailah Blackman, Naomi Cowan, Naïka, Nicolas Nuvan, Patrice Roberts, Prince Swanny, Pumpa, Rajah Wild, Ras-I, Serani, Shaneil Muir, Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers, Sizzla Kalonji, Skinny Fabulous, Spice, Spliff Star, Swizz Beatz, Verse Simmonds and many more.
CEG said music royalty Elephant Man electrified the show’s opening from the lobby of the Kings Theatre with a performance of “Pon de River, Pon de Bank.”
CEG said Elephant Man made his way to the theater, followed by a procession of dancers, including the legendary choreographer Tanisha Scott.
On stage, it said the “one-and-only” Ding Dong joined the Elephant Man, taking turns delivering “high-energy performances” of their respective hits: “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up” (Ding Dong), “Dip Again” (Elephant Man & Ding Dong), “Nah Linga” (Elephant Man), “Ravers Gas” (Ding Dong), “Signal de Plane” (Elephant Man), and “Stir Fry (Happiness)” (Ding Dong).
CMA 2025 winners were: Bouyon Artist of the Year – Mr. Ridge; Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year – Naïka; Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year – Dexta Daps; Dancehall Best New Artist – Malie Donn; Dancehall Album of the Year – Shenseea Never Gets Late Here; Dancehall Collaboration of the Year – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius; Dancehall Impact Award – Armanii; Dancehall Performer of the Year – Spice; Dancehall Song of the Year – “Hit & Run” – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius; Female Dancehall Artist of the Year – Shenseea; Female International DJ of the Year – DJ Ana; Female Reggae Artist of The Year – Lila Iké; Female Soca Artist of the Year – Patrice Roberts; French Caribbean Artist of the Year – Joé Dwèt Filé; Konpa Artist/ Band of the Year – Rutshelle Guillaume; Latin Caribbean Artist of the Year – Bad Bunny; Male Dancehall Artist of the Year – Vybz Kartel; Male International DJ of the Year – DJ Private Ryan; Male Reggae Artist of the Year – Romain Virgo; and Male Soca Artist of the Year – Kes.
Others were: Music Cruise of the Year – UberSoca; Music Event of the Year – Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street; People’s Choice – Vybz Kartel; Reggae Album of the Year – Romain Virgo The Gentle Man; Reggae Best New Artist – Sevana; Reggae Collaboration of the Year – Bugle & Buju Banton & Damian “Jr Gong” Marley; Reggae Impact Award – YG Marley; Reggae Song of the Year – Romain Virgo feat Masicka “Been There Before”; Reggae-Dancehall Video of the Year – Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius “– Hit & Run”; Soca Best New Artist – Blaka Dan; Soca Collaboration of the Year – Trilla G x Lil Boy x Quan – Someone Else; Soca Impact Award – Yung Bredda; Soca Performer of the Year – Kes; Soc; Video of the Year – Patrice Roberts “Anxiety”; Song of the Song Soca – Mical Teja “DNA”; andZess-Steam Artist of the Year – Lady Lava.
